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Apply for This Art Fair

How to apply for This 2018 – Answers to your questions

It is that time of the year again… Our open call is live!

We invite you all to apply for This. Although we have made some changes in our application form’s lay-out to make applying even easier, we thought to give you some tips and pointers to make the process even smoother. Also this post should answer some of the most frequently asked questions such “why should I apply?” and “what does it cost?”

FAQ about This Art Fair

Why should I participate in This Art Fair?
This Art Fair offers a platform for talented artists to show and sell their works – with or without gallery. Showcasing unseen and up-and-coming talents as well as well-known artists, we demonstrate the diversity of the visual arts to a broad audience: 4 days, 110 artists, 18 galleries, 3,700m2.
This means that we are open to applications from artists of all ages and disciplines. It also means we seek to give the stage to art with an edge, to unseen or conceptual art. As for galleries, we like to work with galleries that foster young talent and think outside of the white cube. In addition, we ask galleries to bring no more than three artists and to present work that is no more than 2 years old.

This brings together a group of ambitious artists, upcoming galleries and an audience of collectors, professionals and art afficionados. This results in an extention of your network, potential sales and new projects. We aim to give artists a platform but also to stimulate talent and cultural entrepeneurship. That is why we also organize masterclasses and inspirational visits to art collectors for our participants.

How do I apply for This?
This Art Fair does not select its participants on a first come, first served basis. Artists can apply through our website until Tuesday 28 August and their application will then be subject to the This Art Fair selection committee for pre-approval. We aim to notify all applicants whether they have been accepted by 7 September.

How does the online application form work?
On our website you’ll find an online application form that consists of 3 sections. You can scroll down the form to see what we ask you to submit. in short: in the first section you fill in your basic contact details and confirm you have read and agree with our terms and conditions. In the second section you answer 4 questions about your work and your expectations of the fair. In the third section you upload 5 representative images of your work and an installation view.

Upload an installation view? What’s that?

As we can only judge your work from images we like to have at least one image that shows your work in situ. It gives the selection committee a better idea of the dimensions and texture of the work. Also it gives us an idea of how you present your work. A photo of your studio or a previous exhibition is ideal!

Questions? What questions?
These are the 4 questions you’ll have to answer on the application form:
1) Why do you wish to participate in This? (up to 800 characters) – We are keen to find out what you expect from your participation in the fair. What is your motivation and what do you hope to get out of This? No need for sucking up here!
2) What do you plan to exhibit at This Art Fair? (up to 800 characters) – Here we like to find out what you aim to present. We realize the fair is haf a year away and plans might change, but give us a rough idea of what to expect from your presentation at This.
3) How does your work relate to ‘our’ time? For example through the use of certain themes, materials or techniques? Do you think your work has meaning particularly for this age? (up to 800 characters) – We like to present work that is ‘contemporary’ in its broadest sense.
4) How do you distinguish yourself from other artists and how do you deal with that?
(up to 1,000 characters) – what sets you apart?

How much does it cost to participate?

Last year we had to adjust our fees, this year we did not change the participation fee. The last few years, our stand fees have hardly increased. However, the costs for location, stands and lighting have. Each year, we aim to let participants pay only what they actually get: walls, square meters and a unique spot. We pay additional costs – PR, the preview, the organisation and insurance – from other proceeds.
We are aware that 550 euros is a lot of money for a (young) artist. That is why you may share a stand with another artist and opt for a duo presentation. Young artists can also apply for a financial contribution from the LAM fund (see below).

LAM offers financial support to young talent
This Art Fair wants to offer opportunities to young talent and encourage entrepreneurship. The LAM, the museum founded by the VandenBroek Foundation, shares that view. LAM enables young talents to participate, by contributing to their fees.

The LAM has set up a fund for young talents – graduated less than 5 years ago, or active as a self-taught artist for less than 6 years. On the application form on our site, participants can indicate if they wish to claim such a contribution. More information about LAM and the VandenBroek Foundation: www.lamlisse.nlWho visits This?
Last year over 8,000 people visited This Art Fair. The audience consists of art professionals, young collectors, and a generally interested crowd. Our audience is relatively young and upcoming, averaging in their early thirties.
Where do I find more information on This Art Fair?
Follow us for artists’ news and events on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thisartfairamsterdam or Twitter https://twitter.com/thisartfair